Health authorities in the Sunyani Municipality are urging families and schools to make greater use of adolescent health services as part of efforts to address growing sexual and reproductive health challenges among young people.
The call was made by Mrs Felicia Konadu, Health Promotion Manager at the Sunyani Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Health Service, during a community forum and radio outreach clinic organised in Sunyani.
She encouraged parents and guardians to support sexually active adolescent girls to access adolescent health corners in public health facilities for counselling, guidance, and protection against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
Mrs Konadu explained that the adolescent health corners are designed specifically to meet the health needs of young people, particularly girls, stressing the importance of timely counselling and informed decision-making.
She noted that while abstinence remains the preferred option, some adolescents engage in sexual activity and must therefore be guided to adopt safer practices rather than being ignored.
The forum was organised by the Global Media Foundation (GloMeF) in collaboration with Citizens Watch Ghana and the Indigenous Women Empowerment Network under the “Resilient City for Adolescent” project, supported through the Healthy Cities for Adolescents programme.
Mrs Konadu also called on teachers to create safe and supportive environments that encourage adolescents to seek help on sexual and reproductive health issues without fear or stigma.
She further cautioned young people against substance abuse and urged greater attention to personal hygiene and responsible behaviour.
Other speakers, including education officials, emphasised abstinence and advised that sensitive adolescent issues be referred to professional health services rather than handled solely within schools.
Project partners say the initiative aims to empower adolescents socially, economically, and politically while improving access to accurate health information and services.
